
SEMULIKI NATIONAL PARK
The True Birders Haven
Semuliki Forest Reserve was made a national park in 1993 with a Size of 220 square kilometers, it is elevated at a height of 760 meters above sea level, with 441 recorded bird species and 53 mammals. This is one of Africa’s most ancient and bio-diverse forests; one of the few to survive the last ice age, about 18,000 years ago, and is dominated by the easternmost extension of the great Ituri Forest of the Congo Basin making it the only tract of true lowland tropical forest in East Africa with Moist semi-deciduous forest, most iron wood-dominant with patches of swamp forest and aquatic habitat represented by forest streams and oxbow lakes with adjacent swamps.
Hippos and crocodiles are common along the Semuliki River, as are more than 300 species of butterflies and more than 435 bird species recorded. The checklist includes 35 Guinea-Congo forest biome bird species, Haartlaub’s duck, chestnut flaned goshawk, Congo serpent eagle, spot-breasted ibis, and red thighed sparrowhawk also, 46 species of forest swallowtail, 235 moth species. While Semuliki’s species have been accumulating for over 25,000 years, the park contains hot springs that bubble up from the depths to demonstrate the powerful subterranean forces that have been shaping the rift valley during the last 14 million years. See the Semuliki River which forms the international boundary of Uganda and DRC and is a version of the Congo River, the forest around is home to countless Central African wildlife species, and the local population is comprised of Batwa pygmy also known as ‘Little people’ from the Ituri by origin.
With so much to see in this park, travelers should consider this charming destination for their African safari to get the taste of central Africa without living in Uganda, and enjoy the sight of both worlds how good!
The locals occupying the surroundings of this Park are Bakonjo, Batuku, Bwamba, and the Batwa, pygmies.
Things to do
Nature Walk
This nature walk does not only reward you with beautiful scenery but also exposure to different birds flying around, there are trails to follow for example, and can go from 8km to 11km these trails can take you to the hot springs and enable you to see number primates like the DeBraazas monkeys.
Bird Watching
The Semuliki Park is a birders’ paradise with so many bird species that inhabit the vegetation around the park and these include; the Guinea-Congo biome species, 31 Guinea-Congo Biome species, Capuchin Babbler and Blue-headed, the White-tailed/Piping Hornbill (also recorded in Budongo forest reserve), Crested flycatcher are now known from Mabira forest reserve, the Orange weaver is along the northern shores of Lake Victoria and the Red-billed Malimbe, Papyrus Gonolek and Caruthers’s Cisticola, 6 Afro tropical highlands biome species, Long-tailed Hawk, Congo Serpent Eagle, Black-wattled Hornbill Lyre-tailed Honeyguide and Nkulengu Rail,
Visiting Sempaya Hot Springs
The hot springs here are a must-see as they form the female hot spring called Nyasimbi and the male hot spring called Bintente about 12 meters in diameter spring with forces from deep down pushing their way out to aid the formation of a rift valley over 13 years ago. The two hot springs have made the park very famous and are hot enough to boil eggs in ten minutes. The local people earlier flooded this area to cook but the Uganda wildlife authority on behalf of the government had to discontinue this in order to preserve these unique attractions that today cause most travelers to enjoy the visit this place. The fun local and cultural stories attributed to the hot spring are very different from science also another thing to look forward to and with the help of a well-trained guide, all these amazing stories will be told and science best explained. The hot springs can easily be seen 1km away toward the approach.
Chimpanzee tracking
Indiana University habituated some clans of chimpanzees that are now open for tourism. Chimpanzee tracking permits cost $30 for international visitors. While tracking the chimpanzees, visitors should also expect to spot smaller primates like the Black and white Colobus monkeys, Central African red Colobus, Dent’s Mona monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, Olive baboons, and Red-tailed monkeys among many others. It is important to come prepared with the right clothing and equipment to protect against stinging insects, sharp tree branches, and thorns. Come with enough drinking water and a light snack.
Game drives in Toro Semuliki game reserve
Game drives can be done in the mornings and evenings through tracks in Toro Semuliki Reserve close to Semuliki National Park across the savannah grassland of Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve here, Forest buffalo, Elephants, warthog, waterbuck, and Uganda kob if lucky you may even see pygmy hippos or leopard. Game drives in the Wildlife Reserve can take place in the morning.
How to get to the park
The park can be accessed as follows;
From Kampala to Fort Portal via Mubende is about 180 Km and about a 4-5 hrs drive you will pass by fort portal the hometown of Kibale national park.
From Kampala to Fort Portal via Masaka you pass by the equator, Mbarara passing lake Mburo national park, and Kasese./passing by Queen Elizabeth national park which is about 465 Km (7-8 hrs) a longer route.
Where to stay
Semuliki has a variety of accommodations located just outside and some inside the park therefore; depending on your budget you may consider our various classifications which are budget, Midrange, and high-end/luxury. Feel free to work with your operator on which type of accommodation works best for you but also consider making payments in advance, especially for the peak season when availability may be questionable due to high guest turns up, this makes it easy to have a smooth customized safari as all are pre-arranged.
Where to stay
Luxury
Semuliki safari lodge: Guests stay in golden-hued tents with gleaming hardwood, the tents are protected by a thick thatch roof and feature en-suite bathrooms with running water, hot showers, and flush toilets. Tea or coffee is brought to you in the morning so you can lie in bed or sit on your veranda and drink in the company of a great view before the day begins. Price includes $980pp sharing $1475pp per night. the rates include Full board accommodation, Non-premium brand drinks, Bed Night Fees, Local airstrip transfers, 2 game activities per day (drive/walk) Laundry, Sundowners (Excluding premium brand drinks)
The main lodge with its soaring thatched roof is where guests gather around the chunky dining tables or sprawl in the comfy armchairs and sofas telling stories and sharing experiences. Lit by lanterns and open to the elements on one side, at Semliki you really feel like you are touching the wild. Get out and walk as there are miles of trails cut through the riverine forests that crisscross the savanna.
Midrange
Mountains of the Moon Hotel and Resort: This hotel is about 32km from Semuliki national park and is sited on 15 acres of landscaped gardens with a wonderful view of mountain Rwenzori comes easily the hotel’s unique blend of oriental and French chic styles where guests instantly feel at home will be the first thing that warms you upon sight.
Budget
Kirumia Guest House: This is a budget accommodation establishment with basic amenities 100m from the Kirumia Trail which is a birders’ trail. Meals are provided on time and also the rooms are self-contained, good and affordable. The guest house is 10km from Sempaya along the road heading to Bundibugyo town and 5 km from the park headquarters. While at this guesthouse you are close to the park where you can experience primates such as black and white colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, and birds amongst others.
